Passing by, minding my own business along Totara Ave in New Lynn today, I realised I was passing by colourful background.
The 1925 Oag's Building, the facade long grey and darkened by time, has a splash of hues on its street frontage. Next to the chippie are a couple of different roller doors.
Well done to whoever painted these, especially the "shop" one (above), lending the illusion of an old-fashioned recessed doorway complete with display windows. This must have been done since the shared-space here was opened in early September this year -- the Auckland Transport page on it has a photo showing just bare roller doors, no artwork on them at all.
This block is likely to be completely redeveloped as part of wider plans for New Lynn Centre, so -- this artwork may well be much more ephemeral than most of its kind. A pity, that.
Much preferable to our versions, bare metal with graffiti tagging.
ReplyDeleteI think the shopfront trompe-l'oeil is great, but isn't it a bit sad that shop owners feel the need to protect their premises with Asian-style steel roller doors? You never saw these in the Auckland I grew up in. I wonder whether this development reflects Auckland's changing demography or the state of law and order in the place.
ReplyDeleteI think those shops are empty, Dennis, which is why the roller doors are down during the day. The trend for roller-door security has been noticeable in Auckland for some time now, since at least the 1980s. Thing of the times, unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteDamn good effort they've made and a lovely sight on what could otherwise have been plain ugly :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree, Jayne.
ReplyDeleteIt looks good to brighting up a old building
ReplyDeleteany more history on new lynn would be much welcome
Cheers, Josh. There's been a bit on the blog already -- more to come.
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